NASL Jacksonville Armada FC

Armada FC Topped by Charleston Battery 1-0 in Preseason Friendly

Published on February 18, 2015 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Jacksonville Armada FC News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. (February 18, 2015) - Despite having several scoring opportunities, the Jacksonville Armada FC endured its first preseason defeat on Wednesday, falling 1-0 in a preseason friendly to the Charleston Battery on the road at Blackbuad Stadium.

Even with the slow pace of the match and the Armada FC's attempt to control possession, the Battery managed to notch one past goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo in the 47th minute. As is typical to most preseason matches, both teams made multiple substitutions and poured players into the match to offer trialing players time.

"I think we can take some positives from this match." said co-head coach Guillermo Hoyos. "The style and pace of play was slower. These types of matches, the slower ones, help us focus on learning our style. The players need to get to know each other better as we play these preseason matches."

Regardless of the final result, the coaching staff was impressed with the turnout of Armada FC supporters in the stands. Members of the club's supporters group Section 904 made the trip up to Charleston to show their support and outnumbered the home fans in attendance.

"We didn't play to the fans' standard," said co-head coach José Luis Villarreal. "We have been doing a lot of physical work, but this is still no excuse.We could have played better today. I did like seeing the fans come all the way up here to show their excitement for the team."

The Armada FC return home at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 to take on North American Soccer League rival Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a preseason friendly in the Armada FC's first match at their full-time home, Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Tickets start at $10 per match and can be bought by calling 1.844.2ARMADA or visiting armadafc.com.

BAHNER NAMED FARAH & FARAH MAN OF THE MATCH

In his return to familiar territory, Armada FC defender Matt Bahner showed why he was one of the best players in the USL last season in being named the Farah & Farah Man of the Match.

A USL All-League second team selection in 2014 with Harrisburg City Islanders, Bahner helped stop several offensive chances by the Charleston Battery and helped keep it close for the Armada FC. He said the different atmosphere and travel might have affected the team's performance.

"It was definitely a different atmosphere," Bahner said. "The travel here made things a little more difficult."

Despite the loss, he remained upbeat about the team's prospects and looks forward to getting back on to the practice field to fine tune a few things.

"It's not where you start, it's where you finsh," Bahner said. "A game like this is a big learning piece, even more than the Philly game. It's just a process you have to go through with ups and downs.We're looking forward to being back at home and around our fans. After this performance, you're always looking forward to the next one, righting the ship and putting a good foot forward."

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North American Soccer League Stories from February 18, 2015


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